Jenny Thompson Center could be a win-win

Saturday

Feb 16, 2013 at 3:15 AM

While there is certainly more work to be done — laps to swim, so to speak — before the Jenny Thompson Aquatic Center can become a reality in Dover, we are encouraged by the work done so far by Seacoast Swimming Association advocates. As a result it is our hope this effort continues on to create a win-win situation for both recreational and serious swimmers as well as the city of Dover.

On Wednesday, the editorial board here at Foster’s Daily Democrat sat down with SSA President Tim Paiva and SSA swim coach and Jared Felker to take a closer look at plans that would partner with the city of Dover to see the center built adjacent to Maglaras Park, within walking distance of downtown.

As far as all involved are concerned, a critical component to the project is a long-term lease of land on which to build the $14 million center. But there are many other components. Among them is working out the relationship between the city and the nonprofit that will run the facility so that the city is protected over the long haul. Then there is the matter of fundraising. While Paiva offered a hopeful smile when he told our editorial board the SSA would like to raise the entire $14 million through grants and donations, he accepts chances are more likely there will have to be a mortgage somewhere along the line. That means proving to bankers or other financial backers that the project is viable, something that will go a long way to assuaging concerns of any city leaders and the taxpayers.

Also critical to the project’s success is public support within the borders of the Garrison City. This was a hard lesson learned over the many months some residents stood at council meetings to oppose the long-term lease that — thankfully — brought the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire to downtown Dover. It would appear the journey of the Children’s Museum through Dover’s political mine field provided many a lesson to city officials and pool planners. But it also should have provided a lesson to naysayers — that, done right, public-private partnerships can work.

There is no question that the Children’s Museum’s move to Dover has been a boon, not only for the museum but for the city and its downtown.

An afternoon or weekend walk near Henry Law park offers license plate after license plate of our-to-state visitors to the museum, including annual pass holders. This brings their dollars, spent on lunch and other sundries, back to Dover time and again.

But as popular as the Children’s Museum is, Dover’s downtown could certainly use more commerce. The image of a redeveloped waterfront, overlooked by the Jenny Thompson Aquatic Center — along with the museum — would bring to fruition the long-sought dream of revitalizing Dover’s core. It would replace a scarred landscape with modern amenities that both visitors and residents could enjoy for generations to come.

The center may also save the city money. It is no secret that the current pools are tired. The indoor pool at Henry Law Park has been plagued with ventilation problems almost since it was built. It’s roof is deteriorating and leaks. It’s needs are immediate. While the outdoor pool on Portland Avenue is newer, it will not be too many more years before Dover taxpayers will be asked to pay for expensive repairs.

Much could still happen that makes the proposal unworkable for the city and/or the Seacoast Swimming Association. But as of this writing, there is a good game plan in place and an honest effort being made which we believe residents and city leaders should continue to encourage.